The use of minimally invasive surgery, including endoscopic surgery, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and robotic surgery, is increasing rapidly in gynecological diseases, according to Dr. Mert Yesiladalı, an expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Yesiladalı noted that advances in technology and physician experience have contributed to the trend, and that open surgeries may become a thing of the past in gynecological diseases in the coming years. He emphasized that these closed surgeries have significant benefits for patients, including shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Patients who previously avoided surgery due to fear may also find it easier to overcome their fear with the promise of faster healing and reduced pain, Dr. Yesiladalı explained. Additionally, the rapid healing process resulting from smaller incisions allows patients to return to their daily functions quickly. The reduced risk of bleeding and infection also contribute to better outcomes for patients.

"The Study Shows that it Reduces the Complication Rate"

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mert Yeşiladalı, a Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals, referred to a study conducted on 5,554 patients in the United States on the subject and explained: "In the relevant study, it was reported that there was no problem with discharging women who had their uterus removed using the closed surgical method on the same day without an overnight hospital stay, and even a decrease in some complication rates was observed. In our own practice, we sometimes discharge patients on the same day, sometimes the day after, after laparoscopic surgeries we perform using the closed method. In fact, for hysteroscopy operations performed without incisions for the purpose of removing fibroids or polyps, we discharge our patient 2 hours after the procedure."

“There are Different Closed Surgery Methods”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mert Yesiladalı provides information about different types of minimally invasive surgery, saying, "In the traditional method known as open surgery, which is popularly known as 'open surgery', we perform surgeries for fibroids, cysts or cancer by making an incision in the abdominal area. Minimally invasive surgeries, on the other hand, are surgeries that we perform by entering a few holes without creating an open incision, inflating the abdominal cavity with gas. There are many different types of minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or robotic surgery, and they can be used to treat most gynecological diseases from removing cysts and fibroids to treating gynecological cancers."

“It Also Helps Patients Overcome Fear of Surgery”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yeşiladalı also highlighted that the use of minimally invasive surgeries can help patients overcome their fear of surgery. He emphasized that these methods can be used in almost all cases except for extreme gynecological conditions. He explained that the use of minimally invasive methods is more challenging for surgeons and requires a longer training period compared to traditional open methods. However, with the education of doctors and the benefits provided to patients, the use of these methods has increased. In a recent study conducted in the United States on approximately 5,500 patients who underwent a hysterectomy using the minimally invasive method, patients who underwent the procedure were discharged on the same day, and complication rates were analyzed. Normally, when this procedure is done with the traditional open method, patients may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 nights. In the study, patients who underwent the minimally invasive method were discharged on the same day, and it was observed that there was no increase in complication rates and even a decrease in some complication rates. This indicates that even in hysterectomy procedures, the minimally invasive method can be preferred, and patients can be discharged on the same day, leading to a reduction in complications such as infections.

"We Can Discharge the Patient in Approximately 2 Hours"

Dr. Yeşiladalı emphasizes that closed surgery is much more efficient for patients in all cases, stating, "Since these surgeries are performed through small incisions, there is no skin tissue that needs to be healed. With the fast-healing process brought by the small incision, the patient reaches a point where they can perform their daily functions the next day. In addition to less bleeding and a lower infection rate, a much shorter infection period is also important for the patient. There is no scar left aesthetically. Removal of fibroids, cyst surgeries, hysterectomies, and the removal of intrauterine pathologies such as polyps can be much easier with closed methods. Ultimately, it can be used in all age groups and all gynecological problems. At this point, it is important for patients to choose centers that specialize in closed methods."

“In the Near Future, Open Surgeries Could Become History”

Noting that open surgeries will decrease even more over time, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics specialist Assoc. Dr. Yeşiladalı continued his words as follows: "We have started to perform more than 90 percent of the surgeries with the closed method. In the next 10 and 20 years, especially with the developments in robotic surgery, closed surgery will probably become the standard. In the near future, I believe that open surgeries will almost completely disappear except in very specific cases. Even today, we have the technology to enter the abdomen through a 1-centimeter hole and remove 10-12 centimeter-sized fibroids by breaking them into pieces. While the situation is like this even now, we can say that open surgeries will largely disappear in the future."

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